Breaking: Murder investigation launched following Bideford terrace fire

Police have launched a murder investigation following the terraced house blaze at Honestone Street in Bideford on Tuesday night which saw dozens evacuated and left one man still unaccounted for.

In an update this afternoon (Thursday, October 30) police said four boys and a girl, all from North Devon and under the age of 18, were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They remain in police custody.

A man in his 30s, from Bideford, was previously arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and has been released on police bail.

Detectives say they are now treating the arson as a murder investigation.

READ NEXT: One person unaccounted for and arrests made following Bideford terrace fire

One man still remains unaccounted for following the fire. Police said his next-of-kin have been made aware.

Above: Forensic teams were on site on Wednesday as the arson investigation got underway. Police are now treating it as a potential murder investigation. Credit: Graham Hobbs

Emergency services were called to the blazing three-storey terrace in Honestone Street just after 8.15pm on Tuesday.

Around 45 residents from the building and surrounding properties had to be evacuated, some with their pets and at its height 15 fire appliances with crews from across Devon and Somerset fought the blaze.

There is still a police guard at the scene and some of the evacuees are still unable to return to their homes, but are being supported and provided with temporary housing by local authorities if needed.

Detective Inspector Chris Lithgow, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We are treating this as a murder investigation, as murder is one of several hypotheses currently being investigated by our officers.

“We are working with the local authority to support the displaced residents and hope to enable them to return to their homes as soon as it is safe to do so.

“This is a challenging investigation and we are working tirelessly to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire. One man remains unaccounted for at this time.

“We appreciate this is a worrying time for the local community, but I would like to thank residents for their patience and support."

Above: Bideford residents watched smoke billow across the town on Tuesday night while the Honestone Street fire continued. Credit: Teresa Tinsley

DI Lithgow added: “We would ask people not to speculate online regarding this incident.

“There will continue to be a heightened police presence in the area and anybody with concerns or information is asked to approach our officers.

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Police continue to appeal for anyone with any information or footage which may help the investigation to call them on 101 or visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website, quoting log 748 of 28 October.